A Family Photo Session in the Dandenongs.

The Secret Gnome Mounds

The Dandenong Ranges have always been one of my favourite places. I often head there for hikes, soaking in the towering gum trees, lush ferns, and fresh mountain air. While the Dandenongs are stunning, many of the trails I love aren’t very practical for a family photography session — they can be steep, muddy, or hard to access with little ones in tow. So, I went on a search to find the perfect spot that combined all the beauty of the ranges with the ease and comfort families need.

And I found it.

Lots of space to run and explore

This beautiful location has everything — easy parking, a wide and safe walkway for kids, and the magnificent gum trees and fern undergrowth that make the Dandenongs so distinctive. To top it off, a flock of resident cockatoos live here, often fluttering overhead, adding to the sense of wild magic.

What I love most about this hidden pocket is the light. It filters softly through the trees, giving everything a golden, almost enchanted glow. We stopped at a patch of grass mounds and imagined they were gnome homes, which kept the children giggling and exploring. Because it’s a little-known place, there’s no need to worry about crowds — just space to relax and enjoy.

The colours and textures are so dreamy

The family looked incredible, too. With my guidance, they chose outfits with beautiful texture and colour that both contrasted and complemented the natural surroundings. It tied everything together seamlessly. We had such a great time, and the photos capture the joy and magic of the day.

✨ Looking for a Melbourne family photographer? Let’s create beautiful memories together in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges.